Topic 8 Exchange and Transport in Animals Flashcards
What is the function of the circulatory system?
To transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and remove waste products like carbon dioxide.
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
Arteries, veins, and capillaries.
How are arteries adapted to their function?
Arteries have thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure and carry blood away from the heart.
What is the function of capillaries?
To allow the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the blood and tissues.
How are veins adapted to their function?
Veins have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow, as they carry blood back to the heart under lower pressure.
Name the four chambers of the heart.
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.
What is the role of the left side of the heart?
To pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta.
What is the role of the right side of the heart?
To pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation.
What is the function of the valves in the heart?
To prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring it moves in one direction through the heart.
Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, starting at the vena cava.
Vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → body.
What is the function of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs.
How are red blood cells adapted to their function?
They have a biconcave shape for a larger surface area, no nucleus for more space to carry hemoglobin, and contain hemoglobin to bind oxygen.
What is the role of white blood cells?
To defend the body against pathogens by engulfing them (phagocytosis) or producing antibodies.
What is the function of platelets?
To help blood clot at a wound site, preventing excessive bleeding and infection.
What is plasma, and what does it transport?
Plasma is the liquid part of blood that transports nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide, urea, and heat around the body.
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
To exchange gases—oxygen is taken into the body, and carbon dioxide is expelled.
Where does gas exchange take place in the lungs?
In the alveoli.
How are alveoli adapted for efficient gas exchange?
Alveoli have a large surface area, thin walls (one cell thick), and are surrounded by capillaries for a short diffusion distance and a good blood supply.
What happens to oxygen and carbon dioxide during gas exchange in the alveoli?
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
What is the role of the diaphragm in breathing?
The diaphragm contracts to flatten during inhalation, increasing chest volume and decreasing pressure, drawing air into the lungs. It relaxes during exhalation.
What is cellular respiration?
The process by which cells release energy from glucose.
What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy.
Where in the cell does aerobic respiration take place?
In the mitochondria.
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and produces more energy, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less energy.
